The global energy transition is no longer a distant target; it is an active, fast-moving transformation demanding rapid technological evolution, bold investment, and unprecedented cross-border collaboration. At the forefront of this shift in Southeastern Europe is PPC Group, a leading Powertech Group in Southeastern Europe. Having embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine its energy mix, modernize its business model, and champion sustainability, PPC has officially joined Free Electrons – the world’s premier energy startup accelerator – as its newest utility partner.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for both parties. For Free Electrons, it expands the program’s geographic and strategic reach into the dynamic market of Southeastern Europe. For PPC, it provides a direct gateway to a global network of world-class startups, fostering the co-creation of solutions required to navigate a complex new era of energy. This collaboration can support regional energy decarbonization, foster a digital-first culture, and help turn cutting-edge startup solutions into scalable realities.
Over the last few years, PPC Group has undergone a profound structural and operational transformation. The Group has accelerated its phase-out of lignite while significantly expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
Supported by a €24 billion investment program through 2030, PPC is building a modern, resilient energy ecosystem across Greece, Romania, and the wider region. This strategy encompasses renewable energy, flexible generation and storage, e-mobility and digital Infrastructure.
As PPC continues to transform and expand across the region, innovation management, applied research, and rapid pilot deployments become increasingly important. This is exactly where Free Electrons delivers its unique value.
In an industry as complex and heavily regulated as energy, bridging the gap between small, agile startups and massive utility operators can be difficult. Free Electrons has mastered this bridge. To date, the program has facilitated more than 200 pilots, generating over $118 million in total value for its participants. By offering a hands-on, fast-track framework to turn pitches into real-world projects, the program stands as the global nexus for energy innovation.
For PPC, the value of Free Electrons goes far beyond transactional scouting. The program operates on a model of deep, trust-based collaboration. It fosters an active, global community of utility peers who share invaluable operational insights, regulatory strategies, and technological best practices. Through joint pilots and collaborative knowledge exchange, PPC can co-develop and test solutions alongside other global leaders, minimizing the time-to-market for groundbreaking clean technologies.
Joining Free Electrons is also a catalyst for internal cultural evolution. For a utility, participation can act as an organizational driver, helping embed innovation as a core mindset across the organization. Exposure to the passion, agility, and fresh perspectives of global startup founders inspires internal teams to challenge conventional methods and adopt more agile practices. Additionally, to capitalize on the added value of Free Electrons, robust internal governance and processes are important.
Throughout its 10 years of operation, the Free Electrons program has matured in its vision, goals, and framework, yet the passion and excitement of the ecosystem it brings together continue to grow. PPC Group is honoured to be part of this dynamic global community, and remains committed to bringing into the program its experience from one of Europe’s fastest-evolving energy markets.
Margarita Maniati
Assistant Director Research & Innovation Unit – Head of Business Innovation & Transformation at PPC S.A.
Margarita is the Head of Business Innovation & Transformation at PPC S.A., part of PPC Group. She is responsible for creating the practices and culture which promotes internal innovation across the organization, as well as building relationships and partnerships with the startup ecosystem. As such, she is part of the team that represents PPC’s voice in the Free Electrons program.
